West Nile surfaces in Pueblo, Saguache

Pueblo City-County Health officials confirmed Thursday the first human case of West Nile virus in Pueblo County for 2014.

The victim is a middle-aged male but no other details about the person, including condition, were available.

The health department also has not said the location of where the individual may have been affected.

Public health officials also confirmed Wednesday a Saguache County resident had contracted West Nile virus, marking the first case in the San Luis Valley this year. Linda Smith, a public information officer for the San Luis Valley’s Emergency Preparedness Response Center, said the victim did not require hospitalization but still was recovering from the illness.

She declined to release the victim’s identity.

The mosquito-borne virus results in minor symptoms for most people but one in five may develop flu-like symptoms that last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Less than 1 percent may develop symptoms such as high fever, headache, vision loss, paralysis and can even fall into a coma or die from the virus.

“There is no vaccine or cure for West Nile virus,” San Luis Valley Regional Epidemiologist Samantha Escobedo said. “That’s why prevention is so important.

Dr. Chris Nevin-Woods, director of the health department, said residents need to take precautions to avoid getting the virus caused by being bitten by an infected mosquito.

She said the recent rainfall and high levels on the river provide the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos.

“This may be a year of more mosquitos and it is important to take the necessary precautions,” Nevin-Woods said.

Last year, there were five confirmed cases of West Nile in Pueblo County, all occurring after heavy rains and flooding hit Northern Colorado in September.

Public health officials emphasized taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including the draining of standing water, the avoidance of being outside at dawn or dusk and the use of pants and long-sleeved shirts.

Likewise, they urge the use of insect repellent that contains DEET for adults with lighter application around the eyes and mouth of all children. DEET should not be applied to infants younger than 2 months.